Social Butterfly's Purity Report

Purity

What is purity?
Keeping yourself set apart from something as in purity concerning marriage is when you keep yourself pure from kissing, dating, touch, and feelings with a person from the opposite gender.How can you keep pure?By standing strong on the rock (the Word of God a.k.a. The Bible) and not being led to temptation. I will admit that from seeing different experiences, noticing an attractive young man/woman isn’t a hard thing to do. The hard part is keeping unclean thoughts out of your mind and to keep yourself pure of lustful thinking.

Why keep yourself pure?
Because on your Wedding day, you want that first kiss to be special… wait, I am getting ahead of myself. Before that wedding day you must realize that courting is the best way to go but even before thoughts of courting flood your mind think on this; when you believe you have found the perfect man/woman you obviously think that then is the time to start “dating”. Hang on to your seats, I’m sorry but you’re wrong! “Dating” is a mess. It causes hurt feelings with breakup, and sometimes that person will use you for selfish purposes like trying to get an old girlfriend/boyfriend back or even that person may just like your company but have absolutely no feelings for you which will cause you to be emotionally hurt in the end of it all.

But I love him/her!
Another subject I would like to cover is emotion and feelings. It is true that hormones can start raging and you think you’re in love but you may have never even had a conversation with the person or you only know a little about them so you don’t truly know them well enough to even say you love them! That is what people today call a “crush”. When you have a “crush”, as people like to say is because, you like someone usually just because of their outside attractiveness which is for a wrong reason then. You shouldn’t look at people and judge them even if they look good because inside they could not be as great as you think. It’s like when you see a red apple and it looks delicious on the outside until you take a bite and realize it’s rotten on the inside!This is usually how you see “crushes” and “dating” work in those dramatic movies and shows now a day; they think they are the perfect couple for one another, both are all mushy and romantic when dating, she wears nice perfume and the guy actually showers more than once a week. Eventually (usually less than three weeks later) they believe they are in love and get married and apparently according to Hollywood they live “happily ever after”. Now let’s look at the story of what happens with REAL people: The beginning is closer to truth than you would think but here is where the problems develop; marriage. The first week or so they are so caught up in the honeymoon and being newlyweds that the little things don’t seem to matter but after a month they are miserable and hate each other! Now not always but most rushed marriages turn out for the worst. Why you ask? Because she didn’t realize what a temper he had because when “dating” he was so perfect and he pampered her so well but all of the sudden he is gone at work all day and comes home to fight and argue! Or it could be the other way around: she is a complete grouchy brat and gets on his nerves over every single little thing imaginable because she is a nit pick.Well it isn’t like my mate will know who I dated...True but here is the thing that is becoming common even on those goofy TV shows: the one thing that can really hurt someone is comparison and that can happen when your mate has “dated” probably about 20 girls/boys before you and keeps comparing you to some of them like this: John was more sensitive and careful with my feelings or Jane was prettier and she had a softer way of handling things.Almost everyone gets hurt when being compared to someone else better than them. If they don’t then the must have the peace of God.

We will always be together… yesterday he dumped me!
Another problem with ‘dating’ is the breakups and getting together with others. It’s true that one person could go through a 20 dates or boyfriends/girlfriends before they find the one because they thought that they knew or could help speed up the process by taking it into their own hands. Not only will the breakup hurt but then seeing that person will not be the same because you may carry that hurt with you forever! It’s best to keep all relationships with friends of the opposite gender “casual friendships”. You wouldn’t want to place yourselves alone somewhere so it would be best to be around other friends or families. That will help greatly in the life of anyone keeping their purity protected.How to prevent getting hurtHave you ever seen the series ‘Little House on the Prairie’ or a movie that is set back in the early 1900s? They did this wonderful thing called ‘Courting’. Here is how courting works; when a young man (unfortunately girls can’t speed up this process because usually their say doesn’t come until a bit later) has interest in a young woman, then he comes to her house or meets her parents somewhere and he asks permission to court their daughter. This is a great way to use your parents to literally filter through young men you know. Ask you parents what they think of a young man or woman and if the girl is absolutely sure she likes a young man then her parents could speak with him and see if he is interested in getting to know her. Back to the subject, parents are perfect because they notice the little stuff and characteristics that are bad or just may not suit you. Now I am not saying that your parents are judging a person because in the Bible that is a sin but they can show you things you may not have noticed or thought of like maybe like for example you may be interested in a young woman or young man but he/she has a temper and you are a sensitive young woman/man, that wouldn’t be a good mix because that would cause problems and hurt in the relationship. Once your parents have spoken with the young man and they find you both compatible with one another and you (if you’re a boy she) have/has interest in the young man also (that is where the young woman has a say), then the courting can begin. Now when you court you don’t go to the movies or go out for dinner because that is dating! Courting is when you both go to a church get together or maybe you both go to a friendly party with other friends, or you go to one another’s homes for dinner or a movie. You always want to be somewhere where there is no temptation to do anything you may regret.

So Basically what am I saying?
What I am saying is on your wedding day you want that first kiss to be SPECIAL (I know I already said that but it is a very important point!). You want your firsts to be actual firsts and they will be when you share them with your first love who will be your only love. Some of the firsts you may not think of are:First hug or holding of handsFirst love letter or I Love YouFirst dedication to someone other than immediate family And so much more!
You may not realize it but there a lot of firsts that you will want to share with your future mate. A song by BarlowGirl (a Christian band) called Average Girl puts it all perfectly and the lyrics go like this: ‘No more dating, I’m just waiting, like Sleeping Beauty, My Prince will come for me he will come for me, no more dating, I’m just waiting, because God is writing my love story!’ That song seems to be written just for us young woman (and young men) who are saving their kiss and many other firsts for that perfect someone God is preparing for you!There will be times where you will wish you had a boyfriend/girlfriend because you think it looks like fun or maybe your friend just got one and they are so happy or whatever the reason just remember that waiting for anything can be hard but God’s arms are the perfect place to run! I pray that after reading this, you will take it into consideration and hopefully make that wonderful decision to save your firsts for the person God is preparing for you.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q. So what made you decide to keep pure or what is your motivation?
A. The thought of having a perfect past that is clean for my future husband is just enough for me. I have been asked many times by different adults whether or not I have a boyfriend and I am always proud to say ‘no’ and they usually are pleased with my answer and say that they respect ME of all people because of that life decision. It may not seem like a big deal but too many kids are starting to have boyfriends/girlfriends way to young! They really shouldn't have them at all.

Q. What if you are 25 and you haven’t met the prepared mate that God is supposed to bring you?
A. Well it’s simple; either God is still working on my mate or God has better plans for me before marriage! He may need me to work in the Peace Core or be a Missionary in Australia first or maybe that is where my mate is. Also sometimes God has too many plans for your life and HE knows that married life would slow you down so you simply don’t need to have a mate.Q. It may be easy for you to keep pure because you are homeschooled. What do I do in public school?!?A. You pray hard and stand strong and believe me, you will gain the respect of your elders and the other young people around you.

Q. What is an easy reminder that I can visualize or see just to jog my memory every now and then?
A. For me I have a silver ring that has the word PURITY engraved in it. I wear it everyday and it reminds me that I am to keep pure because it is not only what God wants of me but it is also what I want too! A ring, necklace, or whatever you like can be a reminder. It could even be a picture of you with family that you can put on your wall or in your Bible to remind you every now and then.


There are two books I HIGHLY recommend you to read for more information on Purity;
The Bible by: God, our heavenly Father
Before You Meet Prince Charming by: Sarah Mally
Both of these books will help you to not only understand Purity but will make you want to keep pure! It sure worked for me and both books are definitely the king of books you need to own! : )

Blessings be on you all,

Social Butterfly

Meet Social Butterfly!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Social Butterfly (actually that is my blog name). I am a new addition to the Roses Of God blog. I am a sophomore in High School and am in between girlie-girl and tom-boy. I won't touch a worm but I will play sports. I am big into rollerblading. I have been a roller blader for nearly eight years. I do tricks and such when it is good weather. I can skate backwards, spin, jump backwards and forwards, do loops going backwards down my driveway and spin just before I reach the sidewalk and much more (can you tell that I love it!?!). My favorite sports would probably be Basketball (which I am not really the best at) and Soccer (which I am good at). Now that is more my tom-boy side. My more girlish side would be my creativity. I knit (purses, coin-purses, scarfs, bags, etc...), scrapbook, I am a writer (I will post my children's fiction story today!), and I love to be creative (I design home made cards, decorate and accessorize practically everything I own LOL). I also own another blog. You can see it at http://www.socialbutterfly2007.blogspot.com/ anytime you like. On my blog you will learn much more about me. Like that I am keeping pure until my Wedding day, what websites I use often, who my favorite music artists are, etc...
In just a couple minutes I will post my Purity report but for now, here is one of the stories I wrote a few years ago:



Angelina in Snoworld

Once upon a time there was a girl named Angelina and she lived in the western parts of England. She was walking along the shore when she saw a mysterious bottle floating up to the beach exactly 4 feet away from were she stood.
She ran barefoot across the warm sand to where the bottle had washed onto shore and inside, she found a map of Antarctica. She thought to herself, ‘How odd. Where could this have come from?’
Angelina ran as fast as he legs could carry her to their home on the beach and took the map to her father who had been reading the paper on the veranda and asked him, “What could this be for father? I don’t understand those strange markings.” Angelina’s father, Fredrick, studied the map and rubbed his chin in deep thought until replied, “My word! This is a map of Antarctica! Those markings are quite strange indeed. Listen Angelina dear, how would you like to go to Antartica and find out what this map means?” suggested her father for Angelina’s family is rather wealthy.
“Oh father! That would be just wonderful!” Angelina ran into the house, sped through the kitchen where her mother was making sugar cookies, and up the stairs into her room and rushed through her clothes packing the warmest clothes she owned and got all prepared and the next morning took a plane to Antartica. A trip that would change her whole life! On the plane ride, Fredrick and Angelina saw foreign lands that they had only imagined before, Africa, Jamaica, and more. The crossed the Indian Ocean and went through the Atlantic. When they arrived at the airport, people bustled and hustled to get their coats and extra coats around their bodies for it was freezing weather! They took what seemed to be a jeep looking tank to the X on the map. Once at their destination, Angelina asked one of the men who lived in Antarctica if it was always this cold. He had laughed at her saying that it was practically as warm as it ever gets then.
When they arrived at the X, Angelina and her father told the men whom they had hired in England,” Please start digging in this area.” Several hours passed before one of the men finally shouted out,” I found your treasure Miss Angelina! Here you go madam.” Angelina gently smoothed off the snow and she saw a rectangular shaped box with beautiful fairy and snowflake carvings all around it.
“Look father! Isn’t it beautiful? I wonder what is inside.”
Just seconds later, one of her father’s men came running over, “Sir! We need to evacuate the area fast. A snowstorm is approaching rapidly.” Everyone scrambled to the jeep looking tank and hurried back to the nearest village like town they could find. Angelina’s father booked rooms for them in a hotel and they stay their until the storm passed two days later. Later on when she was in her hotel room she decided she would open the box to see whats inside and she found a lovely multicolored stone. She rubbed it ever so gently and then all of the sudden a Snow Princess was standing inside her very room.
" Hello, I am Princess Crystal, I am thirteen years old and I am from the enchanting land of Snoworld. Who are you and how did I get here.” For a few minutes Angelina just simply examined this mysterious young girl. She had blonde hair, hazel eyes and she was quite tall about 5’5.
“ I am Angelina and I live in England and I think I should be asking how you came to be in my room. Is this stone yours?” She asked.
“ No, its for you to keep. When you say ‘ I love adventures’ you will come to Snoworld.” “ Wow,” she said in complete amazement. Then all of the sudden Princess Crystal was gone. A couple of days later in just complete confusion Angelina opened the box, held the stone, and said the magic words. Then, just like a blink of your eye she was in Snoworld. She found she was wearing a brown, warm, and soft coat with matching hat ‘n mittens. Then the Princess appeared wearing the same thing but white. “ Hello there. I was hoping you would come soon,” said Crystal. In her hands was a Snoworld Septor. Angelina saw a glorious sight, a castle, mountains, and tons of snow. “ Princess Crystal, this is beautiful,” said Angelina in complete awe.
“ I am glad you like it.” She paused a moment.” You see its almost Christmas Eve and I didn’t do any Christmas shopping yet and I don’t know what to get for my family.”
“ I can help you with that easily,” said Angelina.
Crystal replied by saying,” Thank you so much! I knew I could count on you.
“ So… Where is the mall,” asked Angelina.
“ Mall? Whats a mall?” Asked Crystal.
Angelina looked shocked and Crystal wondered if she had said the wrong thing. So Angelina said,” You don’t know what a mall is? Well in that case I guess you don’t shop here. What do you usually give your family?”
“ Well… I used to make candles, soap bars, scent packages, and pottery,” said Crystal.
After a moment of thinking Crystal suggested she give Angelina a tour of the Snoworld Castle while they think of what she can give her family. Then a thought struck Angelina, “ Why not make them pictures of their favorite things!”
So Angelina found out that Crystal kept her art supplies in her room and that Crystal’s dad (King John) likes Snow Horses, her mom (Queen Elizabeth) likes snow flowers, and her brother (Prince James) likes Snowy Tigers. After they had finished Angelina realized she had been gone for almost all day. So Angelina said, “It is late and must be going now.” I will come back someday soon! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
“ I can’t wait for you to come back. I will really miss you. Friends forever?”
“Friends forever,” replied Angelina in a sad, small voice.
After a sad goodbye, Angelina had to go.
While she went through the magical portal Angelina shouted,” I will come back! I promise!”
“I know you will,” whispered Crystal as she disappeared.



Now you are probably wondering what happened after that.
Well Angelina got home safely to see that no time had passed at all since she had left and as for Crystal? Let’s just say it was the best, most magical, and amazing Christmas ever recorded in the whole world (Snoworld that is)!!!
Now if you wonder if Angelina was true to her word then you will be happy to know that this is only the very beginning of a very happy friendship for the two girls.

Thanks for reading my story,
Social Butterfly

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.

6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence
is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.

9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

10 Like an archer who wounds at random
is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!"

14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.

15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who answer discreetly.

17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of glaze ^[a] over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.

25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.

26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it;
if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Katie

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and out comes material for ^[a] the silversmith;

5 remove the wicked from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
and do not claim a place among great men;

7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
What you have seen with your eyes

8 do not bring ^[b] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 If you argue your case with a neighbor,
do not betray another man's confidence,

10 or he who hears it may shame you
and you will never lose your bad reputation.

11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.

17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—
too much of you, and he will hate you.

18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.

23 As a north wind brings rain,
so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.

26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.

Katie

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24

1 Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;

2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.

5 A wise man has great power,
and a man of knowledge increases strength;

6 for waging war you need guidance,
and for victory many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

8 He who plots evil
will be known as a schemer.

9 The schemes of folly are sin,
and men detest a mocker.

10 If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!

11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house,
do not raid his dwelling place;

16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.

19 Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of the wicked,

20 for the evil man has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with the rebellious,

22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:

24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—
peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them.

26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,
or use your lips to deceive.

29 Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me;
I'll pay that man back for what he did."

30 I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;

31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.

32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. ^[a]

^Katie

Proverbs 23

1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what ^[a] is before you,

2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.

3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.

5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man,
do not crave his delicacies;

7 for he is the kind of man
who is always thinking about the cost. ^[b]
"Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.

9 Do not speak to a fool,
for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

14 Punish him with the rod
and save his soul from death. ^[c]

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;

16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.

20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,

21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

24 The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.

25 May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!

26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes keep to my ways,

27 for a prostitute is a deep pit
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

28 Like a bandit she lies in wait,
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!

32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.

34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.

35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt!
They beat me, but I don't feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?"

Katie

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.

3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

6 Train ^[a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.

11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!"
or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,

18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.

19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.

20 Have I not written thirty ^[b] sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,

21 teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you?

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,

23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
do not associate with one easily angered,

25 or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared.

26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;

27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.

28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers.

29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.

Katie

Proverbs 21

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD;
he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

2 All a man's ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs the heart.

3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.

6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. ^[a]

7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

10 The wicked man craves evil;
his neighbor gets no mercy from him.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

12 The Righteous One ^[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.

13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered.

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.

16 A man who strays from the path of understanding
comes to rest in the company of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
but a foolish man devours all he has.

21 He who pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity ^[c] and honor.

22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty
and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.

24 The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name;
he behaves with overweening pride.

25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish,
and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. ^[d]

29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
2. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous man
3. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness
4. Proverbs 21:28 Or / but the words of an obedient man will live on

Enjoy!
Katie

Proverbs

During the month of January our family has been going through the book of Proverbs, so every day (i hope) i'll put the proverbs that we read that day here.

enjoy!
Katie